With Taiwan still awaiting its invitation to the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) due to be held in Geneva from 22-31 May, I feel it necessary to convey the importance of Taiwan’s participation in the international organisation and raise awareness of the issue in this special newsletter.
Since 2009, Taiwan has continuously attended the WHA with observer status. This has closed a major gap in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) defences against worldwide disease and enabled our government to provide essential health and security resources to our citizens. Given the necessity of global health cooperation, Taiwan again seeks participation in the WHA, and this year should prove no exception.
Fortunately, Taiwan’s contributions to world health have not gone unrecognised and many countries have voiced support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA, notably the USA which reiterated its support recently. While Taiwan’s attendance at this year’s assembly remains uncertain, it is crucial Taiwan receives international support to ensure it is not prevented from attending the assembly.
To showcase Taiwan’s long-term contributions to international health, our government recently launched the ‘Leave No One Behind’ online exhibition, which underscores the importance of Taiwan to the WHO. Only by Taiwan’s inclusion can we ensure the interests of the international community are not compromised by a fissure in global health coverage, and that Taiwan can continue its commitment to fulfilling the WHO’s vision.
Representative David Y. L. Lin
